a student Guide to Saving Money in Student housing in Northampton

Start with the basics, your food shopping. Aldi and Lidl are top choices for budget-conscious Northampton students. They offer quality products at lower prices, and if you can’t visit these stores, try own-brand items from larger supermarkets. Sign up for loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar for extra savings.

Plan Weekly Meals and Shop with a List

Meal planning can really help your food budget. By preparing a weekly plan, you’ll avoid unnecessary purchases and reduce food waste. Batch cooking is a game-changer! Cook in bulk, freeze portions, and save time and money.

Avoid Shopping While Hungry

Heading to the supermarket on an empty stomach? Bad idea. You’ll be tempted to buy more, often unhealthy snacks that blow your budget. Stick to your shopping list and grab a quick bite beforehand to stay on track.

Shop During specific times to get the deals

Take advantage of discounts on items nearing their sell-by dates, usually marked with a yellow sticker. Most supermarkets mark down products at specific times of the day, offering great savings on essentials like fresh produce and meat. Check what time of day your chosen supermarkets mark down their items and make that your time to go food shopping.

Use Click and Collect Services

Online grocery shopping with click-and-collect can help you avoid in-store temptations. You’ll stick to your list, save time, and might even score exclusive online deals.

Pack Your Own Lunch and Snacks

University cafés and meal deals might seem convenient, but they can add up fast. Packing your own lunch can save you lots of money each week. For inspiration, check out our student meal ideas.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Your student ID is a gateway to countless discounts. Platforms like UniDays, Student Beans, and Totum offer deals on everything from clothing to dining.

Buy an Annual Bus Pass

Transport is a big expense for many Northampton students. Buying an annual student bus pass can save you a lot, especially if you travel a lot around Northampton. Make the most of the additional journeys included for evenings and weekends.

Use Free Workout Videos

Gym memberships can be costly, but staying fit doesn’t have to break the bank. Platforms like YouTube offer free workout videos ranging from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Check Your TV Licence Eligibility

Not every student needs a TV licence. If you only stream content on platforms like Netflix and avoid BBC iPlayer or live TV, you may be exempt. Check your eligibility on the TV Licensing website to avoid unnecessary payments.

Skip Takeaways: Use Meal Discount Cards

Love dining out and takeaways but want to save money? Discount cards like TasteCard or local student deals can help.

Track Your Spending with Budgeting Tools

Budgeting apps like Monzo or Yolt make it easy to monitor your spending. Categorise expenses, set limits, and identify areas to cut back.

Deposit Part of Your Student Loan into Savings

A high-interest savings account can help you grow your money. It can provide an emergency fund or savings for future goals like travel while earning interest. Check out the Martin Lewis website for tips on savings for students.

Stick to a Cash Budget on Nights Out

Going out with friends? Take cash to stick to a budget. Once your allocated cash is gone, you’re done spending. Just check beforehand if your chosen venues accept cash and make sure you keep enough money at the end of the night to get home safely.

Look for Flexible Part-Time Work

If your schedule allows, a part-time job can provide extra income. Roles like university ambassadors or online tutoring offer flexibility. Explore freelance gigs for even more adaptable work options.

Share Subscriptions with Housemates

Streaming services and music subscriptions can add up. Save money by sharing family or household plans with housemates. Services like Netflix and Spotify allow multiple users, cutting costs significantly.

Upcycle Furniture for Your Student Accommodation

Furnishing your student home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vinted are treasure troves for second-hand furniture. With a bit of DIY, you can create unique, stylish pieces.

Take Cash for Food Shopping

Like nights out, shopping with cash can help you stick to a strict budget. You’ll be less tempted to splurge on unnecessary items and more mindful of what you’re spending.

Explore Free Local Events and Activities

Northampton offers a variety of free or low-cost events for students, from art exhibitions to community festivals. These are great opportunities to have fun and explore your new city without spending much. Check out Visit Northampton for the latest event listings.

Swap and Share with Friends

Need a textbook or kitchen appliance? Instead of buying new, swap or borrow from friends. Many universities have online communities or swap shops where students can trade items. It’s an excellent way to save money and reduce waste.

We hope you found this guide on Budgeting and Saving while living in Student Housing in Northampton useful. Of course, if you have any questions for us about anything mentioned above please get in touch today. We’re always here to help.